Widespread rain, mountain snow, gusty winds and chilly temperatures are tracking into Arizona this weekend as a Pacific storm system pushes in from the West.

In Metro Phoenix, showers started off light Saturday, but rain will become heavy at times Saturday afternoon and evening.

By 5 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service in Phoenix reported that .47 inches of rain had already fallen.

“The forecast remain on track for widespread rainfall developing across all of southwest and south-central Arizona today (Saturday),” National Weather meteorologists said in their morning weather discussion.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Greater Phoenix and Southern Gila County from 11 a.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Sunday.

This watch is also in effect currently for Northern Gila County and Yavapai County until 2 p.m. Sunday.

Flooding of washes, creeks and other drainages areas are possible during this time. Never drive through a flooded area.

8 AM WIND GUSTS

The National Weather Service office in Phoenix noted these wind gusts for selected location as of 8 a.m. Saturday:

36 mph – Williams

29 mph – Prescott/Sierra Vista/Nogales

26 mph – Gila Bend

25 mph – Tucson

20 mph - Buckeye

PACIFIC STORM SLAMS CA

The same storm system has been embedded the past few days over Southern California, dropping more than 8 inches of rain in some places.

In the desert town of Victorville, several cars were washed down a flooded street, and one man was found dead in a submerged vehicle after others were rescued, San Bernardino County fire spokesman Eric Sherwin said.

In addition, the Science Spectacular in Chandler has been canceled. It was scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the downtown library in Chandler. Astronaut Brian Duffy is still scheduled to speak at City Council chambers at 88 E. Chicago St. from 1 to 1 p.m.